Thursday, May 17, 2007

Music As Memories

The power of music is amazing. Most cannot comprehend how strongly this force can influence one's persona. What amazes me is how at certain points in my life I will listen to certain songs over and over. Their riffs, lyrics, and melodies at that certain point in my life seem to mean everything at that moment. It never lasts forever, but in a way it does because I know that for the rest of my life I can listen to that one certain song and all the memories from that point and time in my life will come rushing back to me.

This thought was made vivid in my mind today when discussing Smashing Pumpkins. "Disarm" was the first song I ever learned on guitar. I remember the day I saw the music video for "Today" for the first time ever on MTV. It had Billy Corgan and an ice cream truck. Probably one of the most popular music videos of my era.

Now I'm at a point in my life where bands today are old enough to be able to site the Pumpkins as their influencers. The first real concert I ever saw were the Smashing Pumpkins. It was on their Melon Collie and The Infinite Sadness tour. What an amazing album. Every song was good. It was like the gift that never stopped giving. I still remember all my friends who went with me to that show. I even still have my ticket stub.

Now I'm feeling like busting out some "Cherub Rock." I will now leave you with a quote. Goodnight.

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"Nothing in the past or future will ever feel like today." - I feel like this everyday. It's good to feel. It's good to be real.

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Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Don't Stand So Close To Me

I'm a very social and outgoing person and I generally enjoy engaging in conversation with people who I don't know. However, when it comes to sitting on an airplane, I don't want anything to do with anyone. ESPECIALLY if the person is sitting next to me.

Planes are awkward. They're loud, uncomfortable, and the seats tend to invade my personal bubble. I also don't like talking to people because if you decide to start talking to someone, you feel obliged to continue awkward conversation for the duration of the flight. F that. I just want to put on my hoodie, lean my head against the window, and fall asleep.

Anyway- I was flying from Boston back to Los Angeles yesterday when the gentleman next to me kept trying to talk to me. I'm sure he found me interesting. I was reading and watching a movie (Shaun of the Dead- brilliant flick) at the same time. He kept wanting to ask me why. I didn't know why. I was just trying to divert my brain from the fact that I was on a plane. You see, if I'm not comatose on a plane I don't enjoy my flight all that much. I get antsy and bored. Then I get hungry. Then my tummy hurts from the icky plane food. Then I have to get up and go to the bathroom and I'm surely to bump someone's leg in the aisle along the way. The whole tight space thing, not my style. Being social on airplanes is not either.

I am going to speak in front of 120 people in two weeks. This will be my first public speaking event ever. As long as I'm not speaking on an airplane, I'll have nothing to worry about...

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Cravings

I have been having some weird ass cravings lately. Yesterday it was calamari, today it's Fruit Loops. What a strange combination.

Today I am going to have Vietnamese food. It will be my first time ever. Wish me luck!

Sunday, April 22, 2007

A Weekend of Rest

People have often asked me if I have trouble sleeping at night. I'm not sure why this question comes up, but it has. I always find it funny because I have never had difficulty sleeping. Once I lay my head on my pillow, I am literally out cold within 3 seconds.

On the go for the past 4-5 weekends, I decided to cancel my trip to Mammoth this weekend and rest. And boy, did I need it. I ended up sleeping in until 1pm Saturday- my first time sleeping past 9am in about 6 weeks. Saturday evening I had plans to hang out, but guess what? I fell asleep again. This lead to me waking up at 11pm with a strong desire to clean my room. Cleaning like a mad person led me to become tired again, and I soon passed out.

Today I woke up at about 11am to let the dog out, but then went back to bed until 12:30pm. Then I went to the gym and ran errands. By the time I came home, it was 5pm and raining. And guess what? I fell asleep AGAIN. This time until 8pm. Now it's 12:02am and I know exactly why I'm awake. The weekends definitely throw me off schedule, but after traveling for the past 5 weekends with no rest, I was due for some much needed, quality zzzz's. I'm sure this weekend's gloomy weather helped.

I could never live in an area where it rains a lot. Forget surfing and snowboarding, sleeping would be my hobby!

And for the record, no I don't have mono. Been there done that.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Tragedy

My heart goes out today to those at Virginia Tech. Why do school shootings seem to always fall during this week in April? I mean there are only two but that is still two too many.

It just doesn't seem right to me for an educational facility, a place of learning, to be a target for this type of violence. But tragedy can strike anywhere at any time. Just yesterday there was a deadly shooting here in Van Nuys in the parking lot of a DMV. Two months ago I was at that same exact DMV and parked in that parking lot while I got my new license. Anywhere. Anytime.

My question is why the campus police did not send out an immediate emergency notification about this alert. I mean, shit, when I was in the dorms or in a lecture hall at college, we'd be evacuated simply if the fire alarm randomly went off. I know people don't want to interrupt classes without good reason, but this seemed like a damn good reason to me.

I can't wrap my head around why someone would want to do something like this. Then again, I can't imagine someone being so messed up in the head to even think about let alone commit such an act.

Another thought that keeps running through my head are the local hospitals. These types of tragic events are what medical centers always train and prepare for, yet secretly I'm sure they always hope they never are in a situation where they have to use their skill set. It's like when I took tae kwon do for 10 years. I always had the confidence to know I would be able to defend myself if attacked, yet I always hoped I would NEVER have to.

Our world can be a scary place. I hope you are all safe. Feel free to comment and speak your mind on this subject. As always, I'd love to hear what you have to say.

LT

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

"You're the Inspiration," Chicago Style

I am constantly in awe at the amazing things I am exposed to each day of my life. Here are some things I am into right now that I believe are worth checking out:


GoodSearch: You Search...We Give!
Goodsearch.com

This is all something everyone should look into. Basically it's a search engine that donates a penny from every keyword search to a charity of your choice. I know a penny seems nominal, but if word spreads like wildfire it could blow up! Imagine if all schools, libraries, and workplaces used this site as their default search engine. Plus it's powered by Yahoo so you aren't getting crappy results.

I first learned about Goodsearch from my friend Jon. He was struck with a rare blood disease a few years ago and almost lost his life. He's a baller now, working at Smith Barney and doing loads of charity work on the side. He told my friend Michelle about it and now she's looping in the ALS foundation. Last Saturday I was at a fundraiser for Boarding for Breast Cancer and now we're getting them involved with the cause. This has tremendous potential and could really help a lot of people! My friends inspire me to do good things.

Eastside K-9

I'm obsessed with golden retrievers. It probably has something to do with the fact that when I was brought home from the hospital as a newborn, I was introduced to my parent's 4 year old golden retriever. Last weekend while I was up in Mammoth, I walked by the Ski Patrol office and I saw a beautiful golden retriever laying down in a bed placed on the carpet. I knew exactly who it was-- King, mammoth's first avalanche dog. I remember hearing about him when he was a puppy so it was amazing to see him up close and in person. I wanted to pet him but he was "on duty." It's amazing that dogs have the ability to save lives like this. Mammoth is currently raising money to support their avalanche dog program by selling t-shirts and sweatshirts at the ski patrol station by the top of the gondola. I think it's great and I'm really happy they've chosen goldens over labs :)

If anyone else has been inspired by cool things lately, write me a comment and telll me about them!

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Opinions. What's Yours?

Opinions. Everyone has one. Some keep theirs to themselves, while others feel the need to shove them down other's throats. There's that common phrase that says "opinions are like assholes: everyone's got them." Well, here's mine- I've recently decided that highly opinionated people bother me.

I love talking to people. I believe that everyone has something to say, and I want to hear it. I love to listen and understand different viewpoints on life. It allows me to see the world from a rounded perspective. I find that some people are so opinionated, however, that it prohibits them from listening to any opposing views. This seems to be very close minded to me.

There are two subjects I find people to be highly opinionated on: religion and politics. Now, I have my own views on these two subjects, and most of you probably don't know them because I never really speak of them. Why? Because, honestly I am more interested in what YOU have to say. Sure, maybe something you say might change my views. A lot of the times it allows me to look at things in ways I may never have thought of before. But I will never get in heated passionate arguments with people over these subjects because there's no point. What I say will not change someone's viewpoint, especially if it's on a topic that has been instilled upon them since their youth.

I've also found these two topics to be poor dinner conversation starters, and should be forbidden to be spoken about in the presence of alcohol. I have seen friendships ruined over nights discussing abortion, politics, and the catholic church. I love to talk and share ideas, thoughts, and opinions, but when people are so head strong in their beliefs that they can't handle opposing views, they are simply annoying. I truly believe that those who can see both situations of an argument or situation are enlightened. I strive to be that way.

While I don't like highly opinionated annoying people, I do like my friends and love to read their comments. This is my first blog in a while, so I'm a bit rusty. Leave me on and tell me what you think about this topic. I could seriously go on forever about it, but I won't. Your turn.

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Hi. Remember Me?

Here I am, back to the blogging world at last! These days my dog Bailey logs more time in the snow than I do. She just got back from 10 days in Utah. Can I say jealous much?



However, I did just get back from a 5 day trip to Whistler last month with 12 friends from college. I don't think I could have picked a better group to travel with. That mountain is incredible and I was so glad to be able to share the experience with such awesome people.



Days here in LA are long but rewarding. I'm seeing live music on an average of two nights per week and I barely ever take a night off to relax. I am pretty convinced my renewed sense of energy has come from my detox diet. Several weeks ago I got severe food poisoning (note to self: NEVER eat all you can eat sushi ever again, no matter how good it sounds at the time). After four days of being so ill I never wanted to look at food again, I decided to turn a negative into a positive and use my experience as a way to kick start a new healthy lifestyle and eating plan. For 15 days I went on a detox. I only drank cleansing shakes for 3 days straight. It takes a tremendous amount of discipline to not eat food for this amount of time, but I did it. I reintroduced food back into my body by only eating raw vegetables and proteins. I have given up sugar, caffeine, dairy, wheat, carbs, and alcohol (for the most part). For the time being I've cut all carbs from my diet and I'm working out at the gym on nights when I don't go to shows or social outings. It's weird that out of all things I've given up, I miss coffee the most. I was not expecting that. If any of you have questions about this eating plan, leave me a comment. I never believed implementing something like this could make me feel so much better so I'm all about spreading the word

Next week I'll be heading out to Austin for to bury myself in music for five days. I'm going to be blogging live on the site under Myspace Music so be sure to come check it out.

New charity I am working with: Goodsearch.com. When they blow up in the next two years, remember you heard about them here on YouLoveLindsay first.

Over and out,

LT

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

One big happy satellite

Over a month ago I did my research and took some time to decide whether I wanted Sirius or XM satellite radio. I decided to go with Sirius, bought the hardware, and got it installed. Now I find out they are merging! I mean, great idea and all, but now if I want the personal enjoyment of both systems I have to buy a NEW player. Clearly I should have been indecisive and waited a few more months before making my decision. Oh well. At least my commute is more enjoyable now.

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Soundtracks


Today I gave myself a present. I bought Sirius satellite radio and I'm getting it installed in my car this week. I can't fricking wait. A co-worker has been letting me listen to his account on the internet and I've been highly impressed. I have never been a radio girl (except maybe in middle school...KROQ!) but this radio seems like it's going to be my new favorite toy. Yeah!

Artists you should check out because I like them:

Brett Dennen


Tokyo Police Club


Menomena


Of Montreal


Bon Savants

I've very tired but I have an amazing blog to write about my theory on traffic. It will have to wait until another day. Goodnight and happy blogging. Leave me a comment if you have Sirius radio and tell me how you like it :)

Monday, January 08, 2007

Men and Motorcycles

When I was younger my dad rode a motorcycle. I was never allowed to ride on it, but one time my dad snuck me on his motorcycle and drove me down the street to a friend's house. I was going to a slumber party and I had strapped my Cabbage Patch sleeping bag onto the back of his bike. I was eight and scared for my life, but I guess it was kind of cool.

Aside from my one fond memory, I've never been a fan of motorcycles. I actually have an intense dislike for motorcycles. As a kid, my dad would leave early in the morning with his friends and be gone all day. My mom was always worried sick when he'd go out on his rides. This was before the days of cell phones so she'd never know when he was going to come home. A lot of times she was afraid for his life on that damn thing, and it freaked me out too. It took two of his friends being killed in motorcycle accidents for my dad to finally hang up his leather coat and sell his motorcycle. We were all very happy he was over that phase of his life.

Now I'm older and I still don't fully understand what the obsession is with motorcycles is. They are dangerous and scary. But what I do know is that it's definitely a guy thing. Guys who ride motorcycles are typically known as "bad boys" or "men who like to live on the edge." They're rugged, rebels, and tend to often be understood. Or that's what the movies tell us to believe.

I have found this stereotype to be true, as all the men I know who currently have a motorcycle tend to fall into this category. I also tend to be attracted to this sort of bad boy. I'm not gonna lie: I love the dark, deeply misunderstood bad boy. I heart him. I love the way they park their bike, take off their helmet, and shake out their sexy, messed up moto hair. I should probably stay away from these types of boys, but currently they are pulling me in. Damn you, motorcycles! You need to be banned from California streets!

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Top 5 Songs to Sing Karaoke To

I am on a quest to find a good repotoire of songs to sing at karaoke bars. Go ahead, talk amongst yourselves in the comment section. I know there are plenty of you who read this blog because you tell me about it all the time (and ask me for names and urls to hot comedian's web pages). I will start:

Bring me to life- evanescense

Born to be wild- steppenwolf

Twist and shout- ferris bueller style

and i'm done. your turn.

Woooooooooo

The day has finally come. I was formally introduced to Tom! Highlight of my fricking year and we're only two days in. Hells yeah, 2007!

Monday, January 01, 2007

Best 0f 2006

Albums
The Gold Record, Bouncing Souls
The Sufferer and the Witness, Rise Against
Black Holes and Revelations, Muse
Decemberunderground, AFI
9 Crimes, Damien Rice
The Bronx II, The Bronx
The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me, Brand New
Carnavas, Silversun Pickups
As Daylight Dies, Killswitch Engage
Dying To Say This To You, The Sounds

Songs
"For all the unheard" Bouncing Souls
"Survive" Rise Against
"Against All Odds" Postal Service
"Disintegration" Jimmy Eat World
"Better Things" Bouncing Souls
"Man in a suitcase" The Police

Movies
Borat
Clerks 2
Little Miss Sunshine

Books
The Kite Runner
Never Eat Alone
Eat, Pray, Love
Clear your life of clutter with Feng Shui

Live Shows
Rise Against
Bouncing Souls
Radiohead
Rock to Roll
Silversun Pickups

Websites
Myspace.com
Blogger.com
Toothpastefordinner.com

TV
24
Grey's Anatomy
The Office
Weeds
Brothers and Sisters
Men in Trees

Parties
Vegas with the girls
Mexican Fiesta birthday party (baby Guillermo and shoes in the microwave)
4th of July (go girl energy drinks and fireworks)
Amy's wedding!

Trips
2006 was an awesome year of travel. I was fortunate enough to visit all different sorts of mountains and resorts as part of my job. My favorite work trip was to interior B.C. (Big White and Silverstar) where I got to snowboard in the backcountry for the first time ever. Definitely a highlight of my year!

Other Trips:
Tahoe for new years
Vegas Halloween weekend
San Francisco Road Trip
South Beach, Florida
Ohio for Amy's wedding

As we close 2006, I say goodbye with a huge smile. The year started out with four months of winter travel for work. I achieved my goal of snowboarding 50 days in a season so that was a huge personal success. Summer was filled with barbeques, surf sessions, horse races, and long days at the beach. Fall brought significant changes as I left San Diego and moved home to LA for a new job opportunity. I learned a lot about who I am and what's important to me through this process. I'm thrilled to have gone through this revelation and I'm happy to have found the balance that was much needed in my life. I'm a much happier person because of it.

One thing I've realized in 2006 is how people I've met in this journey we call life have left a powerful and positive impression on me. I've met some amazing people who have inspired me to be a better person and go after whatever I want in life. One of my goals for 2007 is to influence others in the way that these people have profoundly affected me. That, and the typical goals of losing weight and eating better of course!